Page 72 of Thorns of Deceit: The Beast Within

The vehemence in his tone caught Skylar off guard. She studied his profile, noting the tightness around his jaw. “Arye,” she began, hesitant. “Is everything alright? You seem… tense.”

He let out a bitter laugh. “Tense? No, Sky.” His fingers clenched at his side. “I’m perfectly at ease watching you leave today for who knows how long.”

Skylar recoiled, struggling to maintain her composure. “That’s not fair,” she hissed, her own temper rising. “You know I have responsibilities to my family, to my duchy.”

“And what of your responsibilities here?” Arye demanded. “To the kingdom? To m—” He cut himself off, jaw clenching. His shoulders stiffened, his gaze fixed resolutely ahead.

The silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating. Skylar felt her bindings getting tighter with every breath, threatening to choke her. “I’ll write,” she offered weakly. “I promise to keep you informed of any developments.”

When Arye didn’t respond, anxiety gripped Skylar, her palms growing slick with sweat. “And of course,” she added hastily, the words tumbling out, “should you or the kingdom have need of me, I’ll return at once. You need only send word.”

Arye finally turned to face her fully, a wry smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Careful, Sky.” He leaned in close. “Don’t go giving me ideas. I might start a war just to bring you running back.”

Relief washed over Skylar, so intense it made her knees weak. Before she could stop herself, she bumped her shoulder against his, falling into their familiar pattern of banter. “As if you need any encouragement,” she retorted, rolling her eyes. “I’m sure you’d burn down half the kingdom if you thought it would prevent me from leaving.”

His smile turned predatory. “Only half? You underestimate me, Sky.”

“Sounds like you’ll become a terrible King.” Skylar grinned, despite herself.

Arye leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. “Stay if you want to put a leash on me,” he murmured. “Someone needs to keep me in check, after all.”

Goosebumps spread across Skylar’s skin, heat creeping up her neck. She looked away, suddenly very aware of the countless eyes upon them.

A hush fell over the court as a new figure approached the throne, his movements fluid and graceful.

Marquis Kaiden Edwards.

Skylar’s breath hitched as she took in his appearance. He was resplendent in a deep blue doublet that accentuated his broad shoulders, his chestnut hair artfully tousled in a way that spoke of careful nonchalance. As he bowed before the King, Skylar couldn’t help but admire the easy confidence with which he carried himself.

“Your Majesty.” The Marquis’s voice echoed across the hall. “I thank you for granting me an audience. It’s an honor to once again stand in the presence of Regalclaw’s esteemed ruler.”

“Rise, Marquis Edwards.” King Lyinell leaned forward, fingers drumming on the armrest. “Your silver tongue is as sharp as ever, I see. Tell me, what brings you to our court after such a long absence? Surely not just to flatter an old King.”

The Marquis straightened, his features settling into a rueful grin. “Wanderlust, Your Majesty. And perhaps a touch of homesickness.” His gaze swept the opulent throne room. “I’ve traveled far and wide, but there’s something about Regalclaw that always calls me back.”

“I see.” The King’s expression grew calculating, assessing. “And I’m sure the recent… upheavals in our kingdom have nothing to do with your timely return.”

Marquis Edwards’s smile didn’t falter, but Skylar noticed a flicker of unease in his eyes. “Your Majesty is as perceptive as ever. I confess, the news of Thorncrest’s aggression did hasten my return. I hoped to offer my services, should they be needed.”

“How convenient,” the King mused, his tone deceptively light. His gaze slid to Skylar. “Duke Anathemark, what do you make of the Marquis’s sudden patriotism?”

Skylar felt the weight of the court’s attention shift to her. She cleared her throat, choosing her words carefully. “The Marquis has always been a loyal subject of Regalclaw, Your Majesty. His experience and connections could prove valuable in these uncertain times.”

King Lyinell’s mouth curled into a cruel smirk, studying Skylar intently. “And I’m sure his sudden interest in the Anathemark family has no connection to your assessment.”

Skylar’s cheeks flushed, while her stomach twisted with dread. “I’m not sure I understand, Your Majesty.”

“No?” The King’s eyes glittered. “Perhaps the Marquis can enlighten us. After all, I hear congratulations may soon be in order.”

Marquis Edwards bowed slightly, his expression carefully neutral. “Your Majesty is too kind. While it’s true that I hope to strengthen the bonds between our houses, nothing has been finalized.”

He turned to Skylar, his voice warm. “Duke Anathemark, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I look forward to the day our families are united.”

Skylar forced a smile, acutely aware of Arye’s presence beside her. “Indeed, Marquis Edwards,” she replied, striving for a tone of polite interest. “It will be a joyous occasion for all.”

King Lyinell’s eyes glittered with malicious amusement. “How delightful,” he said. “Though I must say, Duke Anathemark, I’m surprised you didn’t see fit to inform me of this development yourself. After all, the joining of two such prominent houses is a matter of great importance to the Crown.”

Panic flared in Skylar’s chest, her heart pounding so hard she was sure everyone could hear it. She maintained her composure through sheer force of will. “Ah, yes,” she said, her mind working furiously. “The Marquis speaks of a cousin of mine. The details are not yet finalized, of course, but we are hopeful for a union in the near future.”

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